Chapter 15
19 September 1995
Dear Hermione,
Happy birthday and not quite 16 years old!
I hope you'll have an excellent day, I've attached a gift to this letter.
I do remember Saul Croaker doing the calculations on your new birthday and real age, and although I will wish you a happy birthday next year to celebrate your "official" coming of age, I did note you will be 18 years old on 13 April next year, expect a letter then too.
I also thank you for reaching out regarding your new DADA Professor, Madam Umbridge has worked in the Ministry for a very long time and has quite the reputation. As you guessed correctly, she is at Hogwarts on Minister Fudge's orders, who is rightly suspicious of the Headmaster, although his way of dealing with it can be found lacking.
From what I know and could gather, she is rather sadistic, with piles of blackmail material on basically the entire Ministry and beyond, which is how she found herself Undersecretary I would assume.
Let me, or your father, know if she pushes her boundaries too much.
In the meantime, while I empathise with your need to learn the practical side of DADA, do not form a secret defense group. If you do wish to practice, I would advise you to go to Professor Snape for tutoring. Only yourself. There's very few we are sure we can trust, do not jeopardize your own safety.
Besides, between your real age and academic achievements, I would advise you to consider dropping a few OWLs (History of Magic, that OWL isn't even recognised outside Britain at the moment, Care of Magical Creatures and Astronomy. I assume you are already not taking Divination or Muggle Studies? Please confirm.)
Without those unnecessary OWLs you'll be able to ace the ones you do have, and perhaps take a few NEWTs early next year?
You are allowed to take the tests at the Ministry a few times a year, including a Summer session, think about it.
Regarding your question on Harry, Sirius has started to drop a few hints and some information to ease him into it but he's still very much in the dark. Besides, if the visions he seems to have are truly related to "Voldemort", that is a very concerning safety issue regarding the secrecy of the whole thing.
Let me know how you are.
Yours,
Percy
21 September 1995
Father,
Thank you for the birthday wishes and the gift.
I've also received a letter from Percy on my birthday, and he had a few suggestions regarding my OWLs and NEWTs, which I found quite interesting.
Therefore, I'd like to drop the History of Magic, Care of Magical Creatures, Muggle Studies and Astronomy OWLs. What do you think?
With that time freed up, I'd like to take my Ancient Runes and Potions NEWTs during the Ministry session this summer, Professor Snape has already agreed to help me prepare for the Potions one.
Honestly, I'm thinking if this works, to do the rest of my NEWTs next year, and be done with Hogwarts at the end of my 6th year, I already feel out of place, almost 2 years older than my peers and I fear time won't improve the situation.
Let me know if you agree, if so I will schedule a meeting with Professor McGonagall to drop the mentioned OWLs, while keeping my plans on NEWTs to myself.
Love,
Hermione
30 September 1995
My dear Hermione,
Thank you for mentioning your plans to me, I do understand your desire to move at your own pace.
I agree with your plans for your OWLs, and if you pass your Ancient Runes and Potions NEWTs with an O this summer, I will agree to the rest of your plan then.
Thank you for informing me on what Umbridge does in detention as well. A blood quill is quite illegal, and the Minister's interference at Hogwarts is not helping smooth things along, so I will take your suggestion into consideration on how to deal with this.
Do let me know if there is anything else,
Love,
Your father
Undersecretary to the Minister found dead in the Forbidden Forest!
Rita Skeeter
Dear readers, it appears this rumoured curse on the DADA position at Hogwarts has been triggered earlier than anticipated this year.
Dolores Umbridge, the new Ministry-appointed DADA Professor, has been found dead in the Forbidden Forest on 27 October. The preliminary reports indicate she crossed into the Centaurs' territory and met an early demise.
One can only guess why she would do so, however Madam Umbridge's opinions on magical creatures are well known, it is very likely she thought herself above the laws regarding the sovereign soil of Centaurs.
The DMLE has been able to rule out any foul play, and have confirmed the Centaur herd in the Forbidden Forest has acted within their rights to deal with a threat on their territory.
We, at the Daily Prophet, offer our condolences to the family.
One wonders who will be the next cursed Professor, will the Ministry send someone new? Or are we recycling previous Professors?
I will keep you informed on any new developments